I did not read this, my husband did - and that in itself is speaks volumes because he is not a big reader (he prefers audio books while driving for work). He absolutely loved this devotional! And yes, he does have a very manly beard so the title captivated him immediately. But the content is what kept him going. Thank you so much for such a great book of inspiration!

My bearded husband enjoyed this one; a great devotional with a witty hook.

I don't have a beard but my husband does so I got this book for him. He loved it! The book is a selection of 31 devotional biographies of Godly men who had beards and their influence on Christianity. This is a great hook, since beard-growing is the current trend and there are so few devotionals aimed at men. I loved Jared Brock's "A Year of Living Prayerfully" which was written with humor and touching insight. I looked forward to this book and it delivered! The book gives gentle insights into Christianity and manliness in an approachable way. It is exciting to find an approach that will appeal to men, both bearded and clean-shaven. I highly recommend this book.

I just finished Bearded Gospel Men by Jared Brock and Aaron Alford and I must say it was a great read. I was attracted to the title as a bearded preacher and was not disappointed as I read the short historical chapters on famous bearded men (and a few beardless women) who shaped the history of the Church by their words and actions. In 31 clever chapters the authors offer insight how God used people and their unique personalities to serve the kingdom. Interspersed with serious, satirical and whimsical articles on beard care, pastoral care and caring about one another, the authors have created a bite sized buffet that can be read in one seating or savored over a month. I loved it!

I'm afraid this wasn't what I had hoped it would be. I'm not a Christian, but have noted that other non-Christians also have beards. I thought this might be a more humorous book; it sounds like it should have been! I mean, I seem to be noticing a trend among men to grow breads of late, and most aren't Christian, but there are a few, and I am thinking that this book may well appeal to those of any of the Christian faiths who have, or want to have, a beard! Getting this for a Christian friend with a beard! The Amish seem to have beaten everyone to the punch of late!

Let’s face it: the beard – like it or not – has made a come back, and despite all my claims to friends and family that “I had it first” before the trend (may I add with my tweed jacket), the humble beard can now be spotted on many faces other than: the big man in the red suit aka Santa – or as the book introduces him St. Nicholas of Myra, 6 of the 7 dwarves, and OAP’s.

Although I wouldn’t normally reach out for these kind of devotional, brand identifying niche books, I just couldn’t help myself. However this may have more to do with the simple yet eye-catching artwork on the cover; the fact that I do have a beard; the fact that I am a man who hopefully loves the Gospel, and to be honest being – and mostly described by others – as a picky hipster type. This book seems that it would appeal to me. However, that’s not to say I wasn’t sceptical. I’m also – having read it – still not quite sure if I’m 100% in favour of it, but it has got me thinking. And that is the aim of the authors.

The book has been described as 31 Days of Fun, Satire, and Deeper Meaning of the Godly Beard. People should realise that when they read this book there is a certain element of poking fun at those with and without beards. Whilst it’s not totally flippant, it’s a book that expects readers to allow room for some level of humour. Yet the book is also very serious. One moment there is a high level of wit, the next your tackling serious issues relating to manhood.

The authors like to see this book as a “Pub.” By that they mean this book is a place for various folks to come and engage in a conversation (again another popular and trendy theme – “join the conversation”, “conversation partners”…).

The book is arranged into devotional chapters, enough to take you through 31 days. The chapters are a real mix: there is biography which at times looks like hagiography, church history, and topical-thematically blog type posts which often offer honest and humbling calls for self-examination. With some of the chapters there is a short meditation to prime the chapter, a quote of the day – from a wide range of sources, and the chapter may normally conclude with some questions for contemplation. Those sections that deal with particular issues relating to manhood are especially well written and are piercing enough to prevent spiritual pride, but will also uphold a high standard for manliness and godliness.

Although this book is written by guys with beards, there are contributions by some unbearded folk (women), and some men without beards (for whatever reason they don’t grow a beard – although there may be real reasons of course!). But the book is about much more than having – or not having – a beard. It is a good reason to provide a conversation starter for dealing with matters relating to true Christian manliness – godliness. Godliness is the high calling; and our masculinity should be seen in our godliness. However, this is not a study on godliness, but a pattern of godliness is elevated as our goal. This book is much like an old “miscellany” or “commonplace.”

Whilst some may not agree with the inclusion of some of the people in this book, like beards of which there are various shapes, colours and sizes, the book introduces us to a wide spectrum of Christians from various traditions. However, this only adds to the potential for conversation and discussion, but also helps challenge our own perceptions and assumed positions which may just be our own traditions.

This is a book, which despite it’s appearance to be light-hearted (which it is in parts) actually can be quite serious. It is written clearly to challenge and start people talking. It might also be helpful for those who aren’t great readers to get something of a regular diet of some church history and biography – however I am in no way endorsing the orthodoxy of every individual who by the strength of their beard or not has landed in the pages of this book. Nonetheless, their presence should challenge us to engage with them. In this sense it is devotional. Perhaps pick it up, grab a few of your friends and casually read it.

This is a fun book, though written for a small audience. My proudly bearded, pastor husband will love it!